Estéban Lepaul set to stay at Rennes this summer

Stade Rennais intend to retain Estéban Lepaul during the current transfer window, despite growing interest in the France centre-forward. Executive president Arnaud Pouille said the 26-year-old was one of three players the club had identified as unavailable for transfer, alongside the goalkeeper and a young central defender.

Pouille added that neither Rennes nor Lepaul had expressed a desire to end their relationship. He acknowledged that an offer could still arrive before the market closes, but said the club’s ownership, coach and sporting director shared the objective of keeping the striker. Lepaul is expected to remain a Rennes player on September 2.

The forward’s value has risen sharply after a prolific run. He scored 21 Ligue 1 goals last season to finish as the division’s top scorer, then struck three times against Galatasaray in a friendly and scored against Paris Saint-Germain on the opening weekend. Rennes signed him from Angers for €13.5 million in the 2025-26 season, while his current market value is listed at €35 million.

Interest from European clubs, including Atlético, has been linked to that form. Lepaul’s immediate future therefore remains a key transfer issue for Rennes, but the club’s stated position is to keep its leading scorer rather than sell him.